Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 1665
    Movement No: D735’429
    Case No: 5’257’632; inside caseback stamped “1665”
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller, “Great White” MK I
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “ 93150”, endlinks stamped “585”, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “VE”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 was the firms first ever wristwatch to feature a helium gas escape valve to release pressure in a single way during deep explorations at the sea to conquer larger depths. In the late 1970’s, Rolex stopped its production for the Double Red Sea-Dweller which featured two lines of text in red on the dial and replaced it with the “Great White” dial, which no longer uses red lines of texts on the dial. The present example is fitted with a MK I dial, witnessed by the perfect alignment of the first two lines of texts on the bottom of the dial as well as featuring an “open 6”. The MK I dials were produced amongst the 5.18m to 6.2m serial, the present example bearing a 5.2m case fits perfectly within its production period and dates back to 1977. Boasting a strong case, the dial features luminous material that have aged evenly with an attractive pale yellow patina. An attractive example with beautiful vintage charisma, the bezel insert has furthermore faded into a gun-metal colour with grey blue hues that contrast nicely against its matte black dial.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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1092

Ref. 1665
A fine and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, MK I dial, gas escape valve and bracelet

Circa 1977
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 180,000 
€12,700-22,900
$12,800-23,100

Sold for HK$163,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022